Shoes
Sometimes all that is needed is the correct shoe for your child's feet. Shoes have many combinations of characteristics, such as the point at which the shoe first bends, the shape of the last (curved/straight), the shape of the toe-off area of the sole, the type and location of the arch support, the size of the shoe, the depth of the toe box, whether it is a sandal, boot or shoe. The cost, brand and material are not such important issues. Within brands, you will find shoes that vary considerably in characteristics. You could buy expensive shoes that will cause gait problems for your child or you can pay a very small amount for a shoe that will enhance your child's gait. This is where professional advice is very important. As a test, go into a shoe shop and try to bend a selection of shoes. You'll notice that some bend at the ball of the foot, others bend in the middle, and others don't bend at all.
Flat Feet
| Twisted Feet
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These are examples of foot conditions that children will not grow out of. Professional intervention is required.
Hypermobile Joints
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| Before | After (with orthotics)
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Some feet can not be treated with off the shelf shoes alone. A specially made in-shoe orthotic may be required to allow your child's foot to work properly. An orthotic is a custom made in-sole designed to treat your child's foot problems. This in-sole is placed inside your child's shoe.
Orthotics
Exercises
Some children will be required to do exercises to improve their posture, balance and foot function. At Footlink Podiatrists we customise an exercise program for each child. Digital photos of your child doing their exercises will be provided. This service is a helpful reminder for you at home when performing exercises.
Turned in Feet from Birth
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Before Treatment
| After Treatment
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Over-riding Toe
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Before Treatment
| After Treatment
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Balance
Some children have poor balance and are clumsy. This is because the nerve messages from their feet are not being transmitted to the head efficiently. This can be treated at Footlink Podiatrists. Children who have poor balance look down, put their arms out and take very small steps when performing very simple balance related activities.
Intoeing in gait: Clawing of toes
| Adolescent foot: untreated claw toes
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Bowed Legs
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Before Treatement
| After Treatment
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Some conditions will improve to some degree without professional assistance, however, it is important that while this improvement is occurring, your child's musculo-skeletal system is functioning optimally.
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Matatarsus Adductus
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Before Treatement
| After Treatment
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These shoes are examples of poorly functioning feet placed in off-the-shelf shoes. Notice how distorted these shoes are. These children required treatment for their foot conditions.
